Powell Challenges Notion of Scarce Spectrum

FCC Chairman Michael Powell challenges the age-old assumption that spectrum is scarce. In a speech to the University of Colorado, he said recent tests of how all spectrum is used, for telephony, wireless devices as well as traditional broadcasters showed not all spectrum is used all the time. Powell believes more users could share spectrum and receivers should be built to better deflect interference. Powell said the FCC should look at whether receivers that can filter out unwanted signals can replace or modify regulations as solutions to interference problems. This belief is likely to be included in a task force report on spectrum policy, due out next week.